NPL Semi Finals Preview: Who will contest the Grand Final?

August 31, 2018

Two mouth-watering clashes await in week one of this season’s National Premier Leagues (NPL) Queensland Final Series, with runners up Olympic FC facing Western Pride FC and Premiers Lions FC hosting Moreton Bay United FC for a place in this year’s Grand Final.

All NPL, NPLW and FQPL Finals Series matches will be livestreamed on Football Queensland Facebook and YouTube.

The last time these two sides faced off, Olympic FC prevailed 1-0 in a scrappy affair at Goodwin Park, with a moment of individual brilliance from former Brisbane Roar defender Matt Mundy all that separated the two sides.

On head-to-head results, Olympic will be favourites to take out the tie, however defending Champions Western Pride should not be written off as they came from third place to win the trophy last season.

Premiers Lions FC host fourth-placed Moreton Bay United at Lions Stadium on Sunday night for a place in this season showpiece game.

Lions FC roared to the Premiership this season, winning their last 14 consecutive games of the season and will be heavy favourites going into the clash.

However, Warren’s Moon side will have to back up from their 1-0 midweek loss to Adelaide United in the FFA Cup Round of 16.

The Jets’ route to finals football wasn’t as smooth as their more-fancied opponents, picking up a loss and a draw to go with a treble of wins in their final five matches.

Lions FC have the better head-to-head record as well, winning both of their encounters with Moreton Bay this season.

The two sides last did battle in Round 21 with Lions FC just edging out Moreton Bay 1-0 at home in that meeting. A sublime back-heel finish from Lions talisman Marek Madle enough to secure victory on that occasion.

Lions FC will be expected to be too strong at home for fourth-placed Moreton Bay, but their FFA Cup hangover could work in the visitors’ favour and go a long way to deciding this intriguing match up.